Pyramid sums

Concept:

Addition | Subtraction

Description:

Activity

Phase:

Intermediate Phase (Gr 4-6) & up

Number Range:

Any number

Materials Needed:

Number grid | Paper | Pen/Pencil

Players:

1 or more | 2 or more

This activity provides the learners with lots of practice in adding and subtracting. When a number is placed at the top of the pyramid, they must understand how to use addition to help work out subtraction.

Purpose

Practice in addition and subtraction sums.

Materials

Print or draw this pyramid page or these four pyramids
Paper
Pen/pencil

Method:

Learners get the 3rd level pyramids and use various methods to add up, starting with single-digit numbers at the bottom given to them by the facilitator.
When they are more fluent, move onto the 4th level pyramids and use a mixture of 1 and 2-digit numbers as this will extend the number range.

Source:

South African Numeracy Chair Project. (2016). “Pushing for Progression” in number sense and fluency Maths Club Development Programme: Session Two Teacher Handbook. Grahamstown, South Africa: South African Numeracy Chair Project (Rhodes University).

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